The Link, March 2026 – Celebrating International Women’s Day
We’re looking forward to hosting our first The Link event of the year on Thursday, 5 March, as we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day and connect with the incredible wāhine across our network.
International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the achievements of women and reflect on the important role we each play in advancing gender equality. This year’s theme, #GiveToGain, highlights the power of reciprocity, showing that when we share our time, knowledge, and support generously, we help create more opportunities for wāhine to thrive.
We’re pleased to be joined by our guest speaker, Annah Stretton, whose 30 years in the fashion industry have shaped a leadership journey grounded in disruption and continuous reinvention.
Guest speaker
Annah Stretton
Annah Stretton is a New Zealand entrepreneur, social impact leader and creative practitioner with more than three decades of experience building purpose-led businesses. She is the Founder and CEO of Stretton Fashion Group and the force behind RAW Reclaim Another Woman, a nationally recognised initiative supporting women in and beyond the corrections system to rebuild their lives through education, connection and opportunity. Alongside her commercial work, Annah is an active academic and researcher with multiple postgraduate qualifications across social policy, Indigenous studies and creative practice. Her work inside women’s prisons focuses on identity, agency and pathways to desistance, bringing together lived experience, education and collaboration in spaces often excluded from traditional leadership conversations. Annah is also the founder of Hopefish, a micro-grant initiative designed to remove financial barriers for women pursuing education, leadership and social impact pathways. Hopefish is grounded in the belief that timely support, trust and opportunity can create profound long-term change. She chairs Waikato Women’s Refuge and was recently named a semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year 2026 in recognition of her sustained contribution to women, community and social innovation. Her work sits at the intersection of enterprise, research and impact, grounded in a belief that generosity, courage and reciprocity are not only values but powerful drivers of sustainable success. Annah brings a candid, thoughtful perspective on leadership and the idea that when we give with intention, we gain far more than we expect.
Why Attend?
This event isn’t just about hearing inspirational stories – it’s about taking action. The Link will leave you motivated to accelerate progress for gender equality in your own life and work. You’ll have the chance to network with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and gain valuable insights from those who are leading the way in transforming industries.
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this empowering and dynamic event. Join us to celebrate wāhine, accelerate change, and be inspired to lead the charge for a more inclusive future.